How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other particles. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency because they are robust and almost rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However, they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed or kinked. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Another indication of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots throughout the home. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This could cause a variety of problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and decorations like aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.

It’s also important to periodically examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts when they notice any issues.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that can affect the way they function. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and can resist insects.

Airflow can be restricted by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this can affect how quickly the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout your home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around the air vents are an indication that you should engage an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant issue. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could see rotting wooden and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is usually found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to irritation of the eyes, allergies nose and throat, and respiratory problems.

Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and elderly. Mold in air ducts can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and ensure that it does not return.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts once every couple of years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can get carried into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated throughout the house.

The best way to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe better.

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergy symptoms, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts to the vents of your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on your air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory issues and can result in more serious illness in certain cases.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. These allergens are more likely to settle into places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ an duct sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.